Dental Concerns
Cracked Tooth Treatment London | Emergency Dentist | South Kensington
Expert cracked tooth treatment in South Kensington. Same-day emergency appointments. Crowns, bonding, root canal. Save your natural tooth. CQC registered. Call 020 7183 0755.
Cracked Tooth? Act Fast to Save It
A cracked tooth won't heal on its own—and delays can turn a saveable tooth into an extraction. We offer same-day emergency appointments to assess the damage and protect your tooth before the crack spreads.
Full coverage protection for cracked teeth
Minor crack repair & reinforcement
Assessment + X-rays + treatment plan
Understanding Cracked Teeth: Why Time Matters
Unlike a broken bone that can heal itself, a cracked tooth cannot repair. Once the enamel fractures, the crack will only propagate further with every bite, every temperature change, every passing day. Early intervention is the difference between saving your tooth and losing it.
Cracked teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies we see at our South Kensington practice. They can happen to anyone—from a sports injury to biting down on an unexpected olive pit, or simply from years of grinding and clenching. What makes cracks particularly concerning is that they're often invisible to the naked eye yet can cause significant damage beneath the surface.
The good news is that with prompt treatment, most cracked teeth can be saved. We use advanced diagnostic techniques including transillumination and magnification to detect cracks early, when treatment options are most effective and least invasive.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Not all cracks are equal. The type, location, and extent of the crack determine both symptoms and treatment options:
Craze Lines
Tiny, superficial cracks in the outer enamel only. Extremely common in adult teeth—nearly universal over age 40. Usually painless and don't require treatment unless aesthetically concerning.
Treatment: Usually none needed; cosmetic bonding if desired
Fractured Cusp
A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, usually around a filling. Often doesn't affect the pulp (nerve) and causes minimal pain. Common in heavily filled teeth.
Treatment: Crown or onlay to protect remaining tooth
Cracked Tooth
A crack extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. The tooth is still in one piece but the crack can spread. Early treatment is critical—once it reaches the pulp, root canal is needed.
Treatment: Crown; root canal if pulp affected
Split Tooth
An untreated cracked tooth that has progressed until it separates into distinct segments. The tooth cannot be saved intact, though sometimes part can be preserved.
Treatment: Extraction (sometimes partial); implant or bridge
Vertical Root Fracture
A crack begins in the root and extends upward. Often occurs in teeth that have had root canal treatment. May show minimal symptoms until infection develops.
Treatment: Usually extraction; sometimes root amputation
Cracked Filling
Old amalgam or composite fillings can crack, sometimes allowing the crack to extend into the surrounding tooth. Large, old fillings are particularly vulnerable.
Treatment: Filling replacement; crown if tooth compromised
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can be frustratingly difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often inconsistent. You might have:
Common Warning Signs
- • Sharp pain when biting that disappears quickly
- • Pain when releasing a bite (not during biting)
- • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- • Pain that comes and goes unpredictably
- • Discomfort when eating certain foods
- • Swelling around the affected tooth
- • Pain that's hard to localise precisely
- • No visible damage but persistent discomfort
Why Cracked Tooth Pain Is Intermittent: When you bite down, the crack opens slightly and irritates the pulp. When you release, the crack snaps closed, causing another jolt of pain. This on-off pattern is characteristic of cracked tooth syndrome and different from the constant ache of decay or abscess.
What Causes Teeth to Crack?
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they have limits. Common causes of cracks include:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The single most common cause. Grinding generates forces far exceeding normal chewing—up to 250 pounds per square inch. Over time, this stress creates microscopic cracks that eventually propagate. Most grinding occurs during sleep, so many people are unaware they do it.
Large Fillings
Teeth with large fillings are structurally weakened. The filling doesn't flex like natural tooth structure, creating stress concentrations at the margins. Old amalgam fillings can also expand slightly over decades, wedging teeth apart.
Trauma
Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, or any blow to the face can crack teeth. Sometimes the crack is immediately apparent; other times it develops symptoms weeks or months later as the crack slowly extends.
Temperature Extremes
Rapid temperature changes—like drinking hot coffee followed immediately by ice water—cause tooth structure to expand and contract rapidly. Over time, this thermal cycling weakens enamel and can initiate cracks.
Biting Hard Objects
Ice, popcorn kernels, olive pits, pen caps, fingernails—biting on hard or unexpected objects is a common trigger. One unfortunate bite can crack a tooth that's been weakened by other factors.
Age
Teeth become more brittle with age as enamel loses hydration and becomes more mineralized. Cracked teeth are most common in patients over 50, though they can occur at any age.
Bite Problems
Misaligned bites concentrate forces unevenly. Certain teeth may bear far more load than they should, making them vulnerable to stress fractures over time.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the crack's type, location, and extent. Our goal is always to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while preventing crack progression.
1. Dental Crowns (From £750)
A dental crown is the gold standard treatment for most cracked teeth. By encasing the entire visible tooth, a crown holds the segments together and prevents the crack from spreading.
- Porcelain crowns for a natural appearance
- Zirconia for maximum strength on back teeth
- Same-day CEREC crowns available in some cases
- Protects the tooth from further damage
- Restores full chewing function
2. Composite Bonding (From £295)
For minor cracks that haven't reached the dentin, composite bonding can seal and reinforce the tooth. This is a conservative, same-day treatment that preserves maximum tooth structure.
- No drilling required in many cases
- Completed in a single visit
- Natural tooth-coloured material
- Most affordable option for minor cracks
3. Root Canal + Crown (From £950 + Crown)
If the crack has extended into the pulp (nerve chamber), root canal treatment is needed before placing a crown. This removes the infected or damaged nerve tissue while allowing us to save the tooth itself.
- Saves teeth that would otherwise need extraction
- Eliminates pain from pulp damage
- Modern techniques make treatment comfortable
- Crown placed after healing to protect the tooth
4. Onlays and Inlays (From £595)
For fractured cusps or cracks limited to the chewing surface, an onlay provides excellent protection while preserving more natural tooth than a full crown.
5. Extraction + Replacement
When a crack extends below the gum line or the tooth has split completely, extraction may be the only option. We can then replace the tooth with a dental implant or bridge to restore function and appearance.
Our Restorative Specialists
Cracked tooth treatment requires precision diagnosis and expert restoration. Our team includes specialists in restorative dentistry who handle complex cases daily.
"I'd been having intermittent pain for months—my previous dentist couldn't find anything. Dr. Shirazi identified a hairline crack immediately using special lighting. He explained everything clearly and the crown he made looks completely natural. No more pain!"— Patient Review (Cracked Tooth Treatment)
What to Do If You Think You Have a Cracked Tooth
Stop Using That Tooth
Avoid chewing on the affected side. Every bite potentially extends the crack further. Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Don't eat or drink anything very hot or cold. Temperature changes cause the crack to flex, worsening pain and potentially extending the fracture.
Take Pain Relief If Needed
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Clove oil applied to the area can also provide temporary relief.
Book an Emergency Appointment
Don't wait. The sooner a cracked tooth is assessed and treated, the better the prognosis. We offer same-day emergency appointments for dental pain.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
While not all cracks are preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk:
- Wear a night guard if you grind: Custom-fitted guards protect teeth from grinding forces during sleep
- Use a mouthguard for sports: Even non-contact sports carry risk of dental trauma
- Don't chew ice, pens, or hard objects: These habits create unnecessary stress on teeth
- Be careful with hard foods: Popcorn kernels, olive pits, and bone fragments are common culprits
- Address bite problems: Correcting misaligned bites distributes forces more evenly
- Replace old, large fillings: Weakened teeth may benefit from protective crowns before they crack
- Regular check-ups: We can identify early signs of stress and intervene before cracks develop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel cannot regenerate or repair itself. A crack will only get worse over time as biting forces repeatedly stress the fracture line. Early treatment is essential to prevent the crack from spreading.
Why is my cracked tooth pain intermittent?
The crack opens when you bite down, irritating the nerve. When you release, it snaps closed, causing another flash of pain. This explains why cracked tooth pain often comes and goes and may be hard to pinpoint exactly.
How long can I wait before treating a cracked tooth?
We recommend being seen within 24-48 hours of noticing symptoms. Delays allow the crack to spread, potentially turning a simple crown case into one requiring root canal, or worse, extraction. There's no advantage to waiting.
Will a crown stop the crack from spreading?
Yes, in most cases. A crown encases the tooth completely, holding the segments together and preventing the crack from propagating further. However, if the crack has already reached the root, a crown alone may not be sufficient.
Is cracked tooth treatment painful?
Treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report that post-treatment discomfort is far less than the pain they were experiencing from the cracked tooth itself.
Related Dental Concerns
Don't Let a Crack Become a Crisis
The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Book an emergency appointment today and let us save your tooth while we still can.
New Patient Offer: £30 Emergency Exam | Members: 50% OFF Treatment
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL
Expert Insight
"We approach cracked tooth treatment london | emergency dentist | south kensington not just as a procedure, but as a pivotal restoration of self. Precision is our baseline; artistry is our signature."
— Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
The Process
- 01.
Comprehensive Diagnostics & 3D Imaging.
- 02.
Bespoke Treatment Planning & Aesthetic Calibration.
- 03.
Precision Execution & Final Artistry.
Benefits
- Improved Facial Harmony
- Restored Function & Longevity
- Seamless, Natural Aesthetics
Client Voices
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
Location
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic20 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Located 2 minutes walk from South Kensington Station.
Opening Hours
- Mon - Wed09:00 - 18:00
- Thu09:00 - 20:00
- Fri09:00 - 17:00
- Sat10:00 - 16:00
- SunClosed
Uncompromising Standards
True artistry requires a foundation of absolute safety. Our practice operates under the strictest clinical governance, ensuring that your journey is as safe as it is transformative. We are fully regulated, transparent, and dedicated to the highest tenets of medical ethics.
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